The crowd erupted in applause, and people stood to record the song on their phones.
Adrian’s soulful ballad filled the room. Through open doors, the music spilled out onto the terrace and the beach beyond, sounding even better than Maileah recalled from the cave on the beach. But that had been good enough to video record and raise a considerable sum for the cause.
Enthusiastic fans and local media soon surrounded thestage. Adrian’s performance was yet another highlight of the day, drawing cheers from the crowd.
Maileah saw tears in the eyes of some of the athletes and others the charity effort would support. This cause was personal to so many.
After the conclusion of that special song, Adrian and his friend continued playing original songs interspersed with old favorites from Jimmy Buffet, the Beach Boys, and Iz from Hawaii.
As a slow love song came on, Sailor held his hand to Maileah. “Care to dance?”
“I’d love to.”
He swept her into his arms, and she laced her fingers behind his neck.
“You have good rhythm,” she said, reminded of their dance on the beach.
Sailor grinned. “Maybe it comes from developing a sense for the waves. Or growing up with a musical father. But then, so do you.”
Maileah smiled, her heart swelling with happiness.
“Hello, you two,” Ella said as she passed them with Whitley.
“They look like they’re having a great time,” Sailor said.
Maileah watched them twirl around the dance floor. They looked like they’d been dancing together for years. Her grandmother was widowed long ago, so maybe they had been. “I wonder if there’s love there.”
She wondered why they hadn’t taken the next step. Her mother and Ryan were on the dance floor, and Junie and Knox joined in. They all looked like they were having a wonderful time.
Deb danced with several men; Maileah saw some cutting in to talk to her. She looked spectacular in a coral sundress that showed off her long, toned legs and her mane of blond hair.
No matter what she wore, Deb was like a glamorousauntie to her that she respected and admired for her business acumen and approach to life. Although Deb dated often, she had never married. Having a partner did not define a woman, but Maileah was curious if that was by choice. While her mother and grandmother were great sources of life experience, someday soon she resolved to talk to Deb.
When there was a break in the music, Sailor took her hand. “These folks can do without us for a little while. Want to take a walk?”
“I’d love that,” she said, catching her breath. “It’s been quite a day.”
As they headed toward the water’s edge, cheering erupted from the event. Sailor laughed. “Dad sure is hot tonight.”
“That’s his dream, and he deserves it.”
“Just like we do,” Sailor said. “Think of all the adventures we have ahead of us.”
His words and the promise of tomorrow touched her heart.
Under the magical glow of a full moon, he led her away from the crowd on the terrace and onto a more secluded stretch of beach. They slipped off their shoes and left them tucked beside a rock.
With the moon rising across the sea, they strolled along the water’s edge. Cool waves lapped at their feet. The sounds of the event faded into the background, replaced by the steady rhythm of the ocean.
“I can hardly believe how this past year unfolded,” Maileah mused, squeezing Sailor’s hand. “A year ago, I couldn’t have imagined that I’d be living on Crown Island, building my own business…and falling in love.”
Sailor’s eyes sparkled with emotion. “I like that last part best. Over the years, I used to see you on the beach with your family. Maybe part of me was waiting for you to return. When you crashed back into my world, suddenly everything made sense.”
“I wish we’d met earlier,” she said. “I wouldn’t have had to interview the dating app guys.”
Sailor chuckled at that. “In hindsight, it was somewhat entertaining.”
She poked him playfully. “You could have rescued me earlier.”
